Methods and compositions for use with gel dispensers

ABSTRACT

A dispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition is provided. The dispensable hydroalcoholic gel includes a C 1-4  alcohol, a polyacrylate thickener, one or more neutralizers, and an additive. The dispensable hydroalcoholic gel exhibits less misdirection during dispensing from a dispensing device than gel compositions that are otherwise identical, but for the presence of the additive.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/814,527, filed on Jun. 14, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Ser. No. 61/187,041 filed on Jun. 15, 2009, both of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a method ofreducing the frequency of mis-directed output of hydroalcoholic gel froma dispenser. A method of reducing the formation of coagulated geldeposits and dispensable hydroalcoholic gel compositions are alsoprovided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal care and sanitizing compositions are often formulated ashydroalcoholic gels. Frequently, these products are provided indispensers. Dispenser outlets such as nozzles can become clogged orpartially blocked over time, due to the coagulation of gel creating adeposit on the nozzles. The clogged nozzle then causes mis-direction ofthe product when the dispenser is next used. Instead of dispensingproduct directly into the user's hand, product shoots from the cloggednozzle in a sideways fashion. Mis-directed product may hit walls,clothing, the floor, and can cause damage to these articles or areas.Therefore there remains a need for hydroalcoholic gel compositions thatexhibit a reduced occurrence of clogging of dispenser nozzles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of this invention provides a method of reducingthe frequency of mis-directed output from a gel dispenser, the methodcomprising the steps of combining a C₁₋₆ alcohol, an effective amount ofa polyacrylate thickener; and a plug-preventing additive to form adispensable gel composition; wherein said plug-preventing additivecomprises a C₆₋₁₀ alkane diol; and wherein said composition comprises atleast about 30 wt. % of said alcohol, based upon the total weight of thedispensable gel composition, and storing the dispensable gel in apump-type dispenser that includes an outlet and that is activated on aperiodic basis, wherein the frequency of mis-directed output is reducedwhen compared to a dispensable gel that does not include theplug-preventing additive.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofreducing the formation of coagulated gel deposits, the method comprisingthe steps of combining a C₁₋₆ alcohol, an effective amount of apolyacrylate thickener; and a plug-preventing additive to form adispensable gel composition; wherein said plug-preventing additivecomprises a C₆₋₁₀ alkane diol; and wherein said composition comprises atleast about 30 wt. % of said alcohol, based upon the total weight of thedispensable gel composition; and storing the dispensable gel in apump-type dispenser that is activated on a periodic basis, wherein theformation of coagulated gel deposits is reduced when compared to adispensable gel that does not include the plug-preventing additive.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides anhydroalcoholic gel composition comprising at least about 30 wt. % of aC₁₋₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition; an effective amount of a polyacrylate thickener; and aC₆₋₁₀ alkane diol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In one or more embodiments, dispensable hydroalcoholic gel compositionsof the present invention include a hydroalcoholic carrier, apolyacrylate thickener, and a plug-preventing additive. In one or moreembodiments, the hydroalcoholic carrier includes water and alcohol.

In one embodiment, the alcohol is a lower alkanol, i.e. an alcoholcontaining 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in other embodiments 1 to 4 carbonatoms. Typically, these alcohols have antimicrobial properties. Examplesof lower alkanols include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol,propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, tertiary butanol, andmixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the alcohol comprises ethanol.

Generally, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises at least about30 percent by weight (wt. %) alcohol, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition. In one embodiment, the hydroalcoholicgel composition comprises at least about 35 wt. % alcohol, in anotherembodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises at least about40 wt. % alcohol, in another embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition comprises at least about 50 wt. % alcohol, in anotherembodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises at least about60 wt. % alcohol, in another embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition comprises at least about 65 wt. % alcohol, in yet anotherembodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises at least about70 wt. % alcohol, and in still yet another embodiment, thehydroalcoholic gel composition comprises at least about 78 wt. %alcohol, based upon the total weight of hydroalcoholic gel composition.More or less alcohol may be required in certain instances, dependingparticularly on other ingredients and/or the amounts thereof employed inthe composition. In certain embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition comprises from about 50 wt. % to about 98 wt. % alcohol, inother embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises fromabout 60 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of alcohol, in yet other embodiments,the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises from about 65 wt. % toabout 90 wt. % of alcohol, and in still other embodiments, thehydroalcoholic gel composition comprises from about 70 wt. % to about 85wt. % of alcohol, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition.

In one or more embodiments, the plug-preventing additive comprises oneor more C₆₋₁₀ alkane diols, i.e. diols having a carbon chain length of 6to 10. In one or more embodiments, the diol comprises a straight chaindiol. In one or more embodiments, the diol includes 1,2-hexanediol,1,2-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,10-decanediol, or amixture thereof 1,2-octanediol is sometimes referred to as caprylylglycol. In one or more embodiments, the diol comprises one or more C₆₋₈alkane diols, i.e. diols having a carbon chain length of 6 to 8.

In one embodiment, an effective amount of diol is at least about 0.05wt. %, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition, in another embodiment at least about 0.1, and in yetanother embodiment at least about 0.15 wt. %, based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

Generally, an effective amount of diol is from about 0.05 to about 4 wt.%, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. Inone embodiment, the diol is present in an amount of from about 0.1 toabout 1 wt. %, in another embodiment, the diol is present in an amountof from about 0.15 to about 0.7 wt. %, in yet another embodiment, fromabout 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. %, and in still yet another embodiment, fromabout 0.25 to about 0.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition. It will be understood that greateramounts of diol can be employed, if desired, and are expected to performat least equally as well.

In one embodiment, the diol plug-preventing additive is present in anamount of up to about 4 wt. % active, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition. In another embodiment, the diolplug-preventing additive is present in an amount of up to about 1 wt. %,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition, inyet another embodiment, the diol plug-preventing additive is present inan amount of up to about 0.7 wt. %, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition, and in yet another embodiment, the diolplug-preventing additive is present in an amount of up to about 0.5 wt.%, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

In certain embodiments, the diol is added to the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the diol may bepremixed with a carrier to form a diol solution or emulsion, with theproviso that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the sanitizingproperties of the composition. Examples of carriers include water,alcohol, glycols such as propylene or ethylene glycol, ketones, linearand/or cyclic hydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones,alkenes, esters such as acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glycerylesters, ethers, amides, polyethylene glycols and PEG/PPG copolymers,inorganic salt solutions such as saline, and mixtures thereof. It willbe understood that, when the diol is premixed to form a diol solution oremulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that is added to thehydroalcoholic gel composition is selected so that the amount of diolfalls within the ranges set forth hereinabove.

In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial may be thickened withpolyacrylate thickeners such as those conventionally available and/orknown in the art. Examples of polyacrylate thickeners include carbomers,acrylates/C 10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymers, copolymers of acrylicacid and alkyl (C5-C10) acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleicanhydride, and mixtures thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric thickener includes from about0.5% to about 4% by weight of a cross-linking agent. Examples ofcross-linking agents include the polyalkenyl polyethers.

Commercially available polymers of the polyacrylate type include thosesold under the trade names Carbopol®, Acrysol® ICS-1, Polygel®,Sokalan®, Carbopol® 1623, Carbopol® 695, Ultrez 10, and Polygel® DB.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition includesan effective amount of a polymeric thickener to adjust the viscosity ofthe hydroalcoholic gel to a viscosity range of from about 1000 to about65,000 centipoise. In one embodiment, the viscosity of thehydroalcoholic gel is from about 5000 to about 35,000, and in anotherembodiment, the viscosity is from about 10,000 to about 25,000. Theviscosity is measured by a Brookfield RV Viscometer using RV and/or LVSpindles at 22° C.+/−3° C.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the effective amountof thickener will vary depending upon a number of factors, including theamount of alcohol and other ingredients in the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition. In one or more embodiments, an effective amount ofthickener is at least about 0.01 wt. %, based upon the total weight ofthe hydroalcoholic gel composition. In other embodiments, the effectiveamount is at least about 0.02 wt. %, in yet other embodiments at leastabout 0.05 wt. %, and it still other embodiments, at least about 0.1 wt.%. In one embodiment, the effective amount of thickener is at leastabout 0.5 wt. %, and in another embodiment, at least about 0.75 wt. %,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel. In one or moreembodiments, the compositions according to the present inventioncomprise up to about 10% by weight of the total composition of apolymeric thickener. In certain embodiments, the amount of thickener isfrom about 0.01 to about 1 wt. %, in another embodiment, from about 0.02to about 0.4 wt. %, and in another embodiment, from about 0.05 to about0.3 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel. In oneembodiment, the amount of thickener is from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %,in another embodiment from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, in anotherembodiment from about 0.75% to about 2% wt. %, based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel may further comprisea neutralizer. The use of neutralizing agents to form salts of carbomerpolymers is known. Examples of neutralizing agents include amines,alkanolamines, alkanolamides, inorganic bases, amino acids, includingsalts, esters and acyl derivatives thereof.

Examples of common neutralizers are shown in Table 1, along with themanufacturers of these neutralizers, and the suggested ratio (per onepart polymeric thickener) to achieve neutralization (pH 7.0) when thepolymeric thickener has an equivalent weight of about 76+/−4.

TABLE 1 Neutralization Ratio Basel Carbopol ® Trade Name CTFA NameManufacturer Polymer NaOH (18%) Sodium 2.3/1.0 Hydroxide AmmoniaAmmonium 0.7/1.0 (28%) Hydroxide KOH (18%) Potassium 2.7/1.0 HydroxideL-Arginine Arginine Ajinomoto 4.5/1.0 AMP-95 ® Aminomethyl Angus 0.9/1.0Propanol Neutrol ® TE Tetrahydroxy- BASF 2.3/1.0 propyl EthylenediamineTEA (99%) Triethanolamine 1.5/1.0 Tris Amino ® Tromethamine Angus3.3/1.0 (40%)* Ethomeen ® PEG-15 Akzo 6.2/1.0 C-25 CocamineDiisopropanol- Diisopropanol- Dow 1.2/1.0 amine amine Triisopropanol-Tiiisopropanol- Dow 1.5/1.0 amine amine

In one or more embodiments, the neutralizer may be selected based on theamount of alcohol that is to be gelled. Table 2 shows commonlyrecommended neutralizers for hydroalcoholic systems.

TABLE 2 Up to % Alcohol Neutralizer   20% Sodium Hydroxide   30%Potassium Hydroxide   60% Triethanolamine   60% Tris Amino   80%AMP-95 ®   90% Neutrol TE   90% Diisopropanolamine   90%Triisopropanolamine >90% Ethomeen C-25

As stated hereinabove, gel products may be provided in dispensers. Thetype of dispenser is not limited, and may include portable pump bottles.Dispenser outlets such as nozzles can become clogged or partiallyblocked over time, due to the coagulation of gel creating a deposit onthe nozzles. The clogged nozzle may then cause mis-direction of theproduct when the dispenser is next used. Advantageously, it has beenfound that C₆₋₁₀ alkane diols are effective plug-preventing additivesfor hydroalcoholic gel products. In one or more embodiments,antimicrobial hydroalcoholic gel containing a C₆₋₁₀ alkane diolplug-preventing additive exhibits less misdirection upon being dispensedthan do hydroalcoholic gels that do not contain a plug-preventing agent.In one or more embodiments, the additive prevents the hydroalcoholic gelfrom coagulating into solid or semi-solid material that may deposit ontoa surface or plug a dispenser nozzle.

As described hereinabove, the hydroalcoholic gel composition of thisinvention includes a thickened hydroalcoholic gel and a plug-preventingadditive. The composition can further comprise a wide range of optionalingredients, with the proviso that they do not deleteriously affect thesanitizing efficacy of the composition, or the frequency of mis-directeddispenser output. With respect to sanitizing efficacy, deleteriousshould be interpreted to mean that the decrease in the log reductionaccording to the FDA TFM healthcare personnel hand wash test is not deminimus, or in other words, the log reduction does not decrease by morethan about 0.5. With respect to mis-direction, deleterious should beinterpreted to mean that the optional ingredients do not increase thefrequency of mis-directed dispenser output by more than about 5 percent.

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook,Eleventh Edition 2005, and the 2004 CTFA International Buyer's Guide,both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety,describe a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic and pharmaceuticalingredients commonly used in the skin care industry, that are suitablefor use in the compositions of the present invention. Nonlimitingexamples of functional classes of ingredients are described at page 537of this reference. Examples of these functional classes include:abrasives, anti-acne agents, anticaking agents, antioxidants, binders,biological additives, bulking agents, chelating agents, chemicaladditives; colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides,denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, external analgesics, filmformers, fragrance components, humectants, opacifying agents,plasticizers, preservatives (sometimes referred to as antimicrobials),propellants, reducing agents, skin bleaching agents, skin-conditioningagents (emollient, miscellaneous, and occlusive), skin protectants,solvents, surfactants, foam boosters, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents,suspending agents (nonsurfactant), sunscreen agents, ultraviolet lightabsorbers, detackifiers, and viscosity increasing agents (aqueous andnonaqueous). Examples of other functional classes of materials usefulherein that are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art includesolubilizing agents, sequestrants, keratolytics, topical activeingredients, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition comprises oneor more humectants. Examples of humectants include propylene glycol,dipropyleneglycol, hexylene glycol, 1,4-dihydroxyhexane,1,2,6-hexanetriol, sorbitol, butylene glycol, propanediol s, such asmethyl propane diol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin(glycerol), polyethylene glycols, ethoxydiglycol, polyethylene sorbitol,and combinations thereof. Other humectants include glycolic acid,glycolate salts, lactate salts, lactic acid, sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, hyaluronic acid, chitin, and the like. In oneembodiment, the humectant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 toabout 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholicgel composition. In another embodiment the humectant is present in anamount of from about 1 to about 8% by weight, in another embodiment fromabout 2 to about 3% by weight, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition.

In these or other embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel compositioncomprises one or more conditioning or moisturizing esters. Examples ofesters include cetyl myristate, cetyl myristoleate, and other cetylesters, diisopropyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate. In oneembodiment, the ester is present in an amount of up to 10% by weight,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. Inanother embodiment the ester is present in an amount of from about 0.5to about 5% by weight, in another embodiment from about 1 to about 2% byweight, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition includesone or more emulsifying agents. Examples of emulsifying agents includestearyl alcohol, sorbitan oleate trideceth-2, poloxamers, andPEG/PPG-20/6 dimethicone. In one embodiment, the emulsifying agent ispresent in an amount of up to about 10% by weight, based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. In another embodiment theemulsifying agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5%by weight, in another embodiment from about 0.5 to about 2% by weight,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

In one embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition includes one ormore thickeners and optionally one or more stabilizers. Examples ofthickeners and stabilizers include hydroxyethyl cellulose hydroxypropylcellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and ammoniumacryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer. In one embodiment, where thethickener or stabilizer is starch-based, the thickener or stabilizer ispresent in an amount of up to about 10% by weight, in another embodimentin an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight, in yet anotherembodiment from about 0.2 to about 1% by weight, based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. In other embodiments,where the thickener or stabilizer is a synthetic polymer, the thickeneror stabilizer is present in an amount of up to about 15% by weight, inanother embodiment in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10% byweight, in yet another embodiment from about 1 to about 2% by weight,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition includesone or more solubilizers. Examples of solubilizers include PEG-40hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate-80, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate,ceteareth-20, oleth-20, PEG-4, and propylene glycol. The amount ofsolubilizer is not particularly limited, so long as it does notdeleteriously affect the sanitizing efficacy of the composition.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition includesone or more antiviral agents or antiviral enhancers. Examples ofantiviral agents include botanicals such as rosmarinic acid,tetrahydrocurcuminoids, oleuropen, oleanolic acid, aspalathus linearisextract, white tea, red tea, green tea extract, neem oil limonoids,coleus oil, licorice extract, burnet, ginger & cinnamon extracts,alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, perilla ocymoides leaf powder, camphor,camellia oleifera leaf extract, ginger, menthol, eucalyptus, capillisilhc, hydroxyprolisilane cn, sandlewood oil/resin, calendula oil, rosemaryoil, lime/orange oils, and hop acids. When used, the antiviral agentsare present in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight,based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

Examples of antiviral enhancers include proton donors, cationicoligomers and polymers, chaotropic agents, and copper and zinccompounds. Antiviral enhancers are further described in co-pending U.S.Patent Application Publications 2007/0184013, 2007/0185216, and2009/0018213, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In certain embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition does notcontain any auxiliary antimicrobial ingredients. Any antimicrobialingredient other than the alcohol may be referred to as an auxiliaryantimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, the amount of auxiliaryantimicrobial agent (including preservatives) is less than about 0.1 wt.%, in another embodiment, less than about 0.05 wt. %, based upon thetotal weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. In anotherembodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition is devoid of auxiliaryantimicrobial agents.

It is envisioned that, in other embodiments, auxiliary antimicrobialagents could be included, with the proviso that the antimicrobialingredient does not deleteriously affect the sanitizing properties ofthe composition. Examples of auxiliary antimicrobial agents include, butare not limited to, triclosan, also known as5-chloro-2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol (PCMX) and available fromCiba-Geigy Corporation under the tradename IRGASAN®; chloroxylenol, alsoknown as 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol, available from Nipa Laboratories, Inc.under the tradenames NIPACIDE® MX or PX; hexetidine, also known as5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydropyrimidine;chlorhexidine salts including chlorhexidine gluconate and the salts ofN,N″-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,14-tetraazatetradecanediimidiamide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1; 3-diol, benzalkonium chloride;cetylpyridinium chloride; alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides; iodine;phenol, bisphenol, diphenyl ether, phenol derivatives, povidone-iodineincluding polyvinylpyrrolidinone-iodine; parabens; hydantoins andderivatives thereof, including 2,4-imidazolidinedione and derivatives of2,4-imidazolidinedione as well as dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (alsoknown as DMDM hydantoin or glydant); phenoxyethanol; cis isomer of1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,6-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride, also knownas quaternium-15 and available from Dow Chemical Company under thetradename DOWCIL™ 2000; diazolidinyl urea; benzethonium chloride;methylbenzethonium chloride; glyceryl laurate, transition metalcompounds such as silver, copper, magnesium, zinc compounds, hydrogenperoxide, chlorine dioxide, anilides, bisguanidines, tropolone, andmixtures thereof. When used, the auxiliary antimicrobial agents arepresent in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, based upon thetotal weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

Advantageously, certain ingredients that have been designated ascritical to current antiseptic compositions can be limited in thehydroalcoholic gel composition of the present invention. For example,zinc compounds such as organic salts of zinc, zinc gluconate, zincpyrithione, or zinc omadine are not necessary, and can be limited, ifdesired, to less than about 0.5 wt. %, or in another embodiment to lessthan about 0.1 wt. %, or in another embodiment to less than about 0.05wt. %, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition. In another embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel compositionis devoid of organic salts of zinc.

In one or more embodiments, the amount of acid may be limited. Morespecifically, in one or more embodiments, the amount of organic acid maybe limited. In one or more embodiments, the amount of any of thefollowing acids may be limited: citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid,malic acid, tartaric acid, and acetic acid. When limited, in one or moreembodiments, the amount of acid may be less than 0.125 wt. %, in otherembodiments less than about 0.08 wt. %, based upon the total weight ofthe hydroalcoholic gel composition. In another embodiment, thehydroalcoholic gel composition is devoid of citric acid, glycolic acid,lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and acetic acid.

In one or more embodiments, the amount of essential oil is less than 0.1wt. %, or in another embodiment less than about 0.05 wt. %, based uponthe total weight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition. In anotherembodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition is devoid of essentialoils. More specifically, in one embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition contains less than 0.1 wt. %, in another embodiment lessthan 0.05, and in another embodiment, is devoid of any of the followingessential oils: cinnamon oil, basil oil, bergamot oil, clary sage oil,ylang-ylang oil, neroli oil, sandalwood oil, frankincense oil, gingeroil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, jasmine absolute, geranium oilbourbon, spearmint oil, clove oil, patchouli oil, rosemary oil, rosewoodoil, sandalwood oil, tea tree oil, vanilla oil, lemongrass oil,cedarwood oil, balsam oils, tangerine oil, Hinoki oil, Hiba oil, ginkooil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, orange oil, sweet orange oil, andcalendula oil, wherein the above amounts are based upon the total weightof the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

In one or more embodiments, the amount of specific constituents ofessential oils is also limited. More specifically, in one embodiment,the hydroalcoholic gel composition contains less than 0.1 wt. %, inanother embodiment less than 0.05, and in another embodiment, is devoidof any of the following constituents of essential oils: farnesol,nerolidol, bisabolol, apritone, chamazulene, santalol, zingiberol,carotol, and caryophyllen, curcumin, 1-citronellol,α-amylcinnarnaldehyde, lyral, geraniol, farnesol, hydroxycitronellal,isoeugenol, eugenol, camphor, eucalyptol, linalool, citral, thymol,limonene and menthol, wherein the above amounts are based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition is devoidof traditional preservative agents. Traditional preservative agentsinclude parabens, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, iodopropynylbutylcarbomate, tropolone, dibromodicyanobutane,1,2-benziosthiazolin-3-one, and phenoxyethanol. In one or moreembodiments, the amount of glycerin is less than about 20 wt. %, inother embodiments, less than about 15 wt. %, in yet other embodiments,less than about 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of thehydroalcoholic gel composition. Indeed, any component other than thethickened hydroalcoholic gel and the diol plug-preventing additive isnot necessary and can optionally be limited to less than about 0.5 wt.%, if desired to less than about 0.1 wt. %, if desired to less thanabout 0.01 wt. %, or if desired to less than about 0.001 wt. %.

In one or more embodiments, the balance of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition includes water or other suitable solvent. In one embodiment,one or more volatile silicone-based materials are included in theformulation to further aid the evaporation process. Exemplary volatilesilicones have a lower heat of evaporation than alcohol. In certainembodiments, use of silicone-based materials can lower the surfacetension of the fluid composition. This provides greater contact with thesurface. In one embodiment, the silicone-based material, such ascyclomethicone, trimethylsiloxy silicate or a combination thereof, maybe included in the formulation at a concentration of from about 4 wt. %to about 50 wt. % and in another embodiment from about 5 wt. % to about35 wt. %, and in yet another embodiment from about 11 wt. % to about 25wt. %, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition. In one embodiment, the hydroalcoholic gel composition isdevoid of any component other than alcohol, thickener, neutralizer, diolplug-preventing additive and optionally water or other suitable solvent.

The dispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition may be prepared by simplymixing the components together. The hydroalcoholic gel composition maybe prepared by simply mixing the components together. In one embodiment,where one or more components is obtained as a solid powder, thehydroalcoholic gel composition is prepared by a method comprisingdispersing the solid powder in water to form a gel, adding alcohol withslow to moderate agitation, and then adding other ingredients asdesired, and mixing until the mixture is homogeneous. The order ofaddition is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, thehydroalcoholic gel composition is prepared by a method comprisingdispersing the polymeric thickener in alcohol with slow to moderateagitation, adding water, and then adding a plug-preventing additive, andmixing until the mixture is homogeneous. In other embodiments, thehydroalcoholic gel composition is prepared by a method comprisingdispersing the polymeric thickener in water with slow to moderateagitation, adding alcohol, a plug-preventing additive, and mixing untilthe mixture is homogeneous. In one or more embodiments, a neutralizer isadded to the mixture to neutralize the thickener and form the gel. Thoseof skill in the art will understand that optional ingredients may beadded at various points during the mixing process. It will also beunderstood that a gel may be formed without a neutralizer if thethickener is one that swells when mixed with water or alcohol.

In one embodiment, where the hydroalcoholic gel composition is in liquidform, the percent solids of the hydroalcoholic gel composition is lessthan about 6 percent, in another embodiment, less than about 5 percent,in yet another embodiment, less than about 4 percent, in still anotherembodiment, less than about 3 percent, in another embodiment, less thanabout 2 percent, in yet another embodiment, less than about 1 percent.The percent solids can be determined by various methods known in theart.

In one or more embodiments, the pH of the hydroalcoholic gel compositionis from about 1.5 to about 10, in another embodiment from about 4.5 toabout 9.5, in another embodiment from about 7 to about 8.

The hydroalcoholic gel composition of the present invention may beemployed in any type of dispenser typically used for gel products, forexample pump dispensers. A wide variety of pump dispensers are suitable.Pump dispensers may be affixed to bottles or other free-standingcontainers. Pump dispensers may be incorporated into wall-mounteddispensers. Pump dispensers may be activated manually by hand or footpump, or may be automatically activated. Useful dispensers include thoseavailable from GOJO Industries under the designations NXT® and TFX™ aswell as traditional bag-in-box dispensers. Examples of dispensers aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,772, 5,944,227, 6,877,642, 7,028,861,and U.S. Published Application Nos. 2006/0243740 A1 and 2006/0124662 A1,all of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one or moreembodiments, the dispenser includes an outlet such as a nozzle, throughwhich the hydroalcoholic gel composition is dispensed.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel of the presentinvention prevents the mess that occurs from mis-directed dispenseroutput. The hydroalcoholic gel is more likely to be effective, becauseit is more likely that an effective amount of the gel will be dispensedonto the target surface. Less product is wasted and user satisfaction ishigher.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel of the presentinvention exhibited less misdirection upon being dispensed than didcommon hydroalcoholic gels that did not contain an plug-preventingagent. Frequency of mis-directed output may be determined as apercentage of total dispenser actuations. Comparative measurements maybe taken at various rates of actuation. An output target may be createdto distinguish between acceptable output and mis-directed output. In oneor more embodiments, the output target simulates the hand(s) of thedispenser user. The output target defines a zone of acceptable output.

In one or more embodiments, when an effective amount of a diolplug-preventing additive is added to a hydroalcoholic gel composition,the frequency of mis-directed output may be reduced. In certainembodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than50% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1 actuations perhour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzlewith less than 30% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, the dispenser outputwill be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly belowthe dispenser nozzle with less than 20% frequency when the rate ofdispenser actuation is 0.1 actuations per hour. In one embodiment, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 15% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1 actuations per hour.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle withless than 10% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1actuations per hour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will beoutside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below thedispenser nozzle with less than 5% frequency when the rate of dispenseractuation is 0.1 actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 1% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1 actuations per hour. In oneembodiment, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than0.5% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.1 actuationsper hour. In one or more embodiments, substantially none of thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle when the rate of dispenseractuation is 0.1 actuations per hour.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle withless than 40% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5actuations per hour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will beoutside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below thedispenser nozzle with less than 30% frequency when the rate of dispenseractuation is 0.5 actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 20% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5 actuations per hour. In oneembodiment, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than15% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5 actuations perhour.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle withless than 10% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5actuations per hour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will beoutside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below thedispenser nozzle with less than 5% frequency when the rate of dispenseractuation is 0.5 actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 1% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5 actuations per hour. In oneembodiment, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than0.5% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 0.5 actuationsper hour. In one or more embodiments, substantially none of thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle when the rate of dispenseractuation is 0.5 actuations per hour.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle withless than 40% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 3actuations per hour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will beoutside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below thedispenser nozzle with less than 30% frequency when the rate of dispenseractuation is 3 actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 20% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 3 actuations per hour. In oneembodiment, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than15% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 3 actuations perhour.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5inch square zone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle withless than 10% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 3actuations per hour. In other embodiments, the dispenser output will beoutside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directly below thedispenser nozzle with less than 5% frequency when the rate of dispenseractuation is 3 actuations per hour. In one or more embodiments, thedispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than 1% frequencywhen the rate of dispenser actuation is 3 actuations per hour. In oneembodiment, the dispenser output will be outside of a 2.5 inch squarezone about 3 inches directly below the dispenser nozzle with less than0.5% frequency when the rate of dispenser actuation is 3 actuations perhour. In one or more embodiments, substantially none of the dispenseroutput will be outside of a 2.5 inch square zone about 3 inches directlybelow the dispenser nozzle when the rate of dispenser actuation is 3actuations per hour.

In one or more embodiments, the effectiveness of the plug-preventingadditive may be expressed in terms of the percent reduction in thefrequency of misdirection. That is, a hydroalcoholic gel compositioncontaining a plug-preventing additive may be tested in comparison to acontrol that does not contain a plug-preventing additive. The frequencyof misdirection may be determined as described hereinabove, and thepercent reduction in frequency of misdirection may be calculated for thecomposition containing the plug-preventing additive compared to thecontrol. More generally, the percent reduction in the frequency ofmisdirection may be calculated for any rate of actuation and any outputtarget zone relative to a control composition that does not contain anyplug-preventing additive and is tested under the same conditions. In oneor more embodiments, the percent reduction in the frequency ofmisdirection is at least about 50%. In other embodiments, the percentreduction in the frequency of misdirection is at least about 60%, in yetother embodiments, at least about 70% in still other embodiments, atleast about 80%. In one or more embodiments, the percent reduction inthe frequency of misdirection is at least about 90%, in otherembodiments, at least about 95%, and in yet other embodiments, at leastabout 97%.

In order to demonstrate the practice of the present invention, thefollowing examples have been prepared and tested. The examples shouldnot, however, be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. Theclaims will serve to define the invention.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 and 2 are hydroalcoholic gel formulations that contain about70 wt. % ethanol. They also each contain the same amount of thefollowing ingredients: Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer,glycerin, aminomethyl propanol, and water. Example 1 differs fromExample 2 in that Example 2 also contains 1 wt. % of 1,2-octanediol.Examples 1 and 2 were dispensed by using a GOJO NXT® side-by-sidedispenser with 1000 ml refills and DPI pumps. The dispenser is ADAcompliant, and features one-hand push operation. The rate of actuationswas held constant for all samples. The output target zone was positionedabout 3 inches below the nozzle tip, and was defined by a 2.5 inchsquare.

The tests were performed over 15 days, and the frequency ofmis-direction was calculated as a percentage of mis-directed outputsbased upon the total number of actuations for each composition. Eachsample was tested in multiple dispensers, and the results were averaged,and are summarized in the Table below. Approximately 900 actuations wereobserved for each formulation. The reduction in frequency ofmis-direction was also calculated for Example 2, as compared toExample 1. Where the frequency of mis-direction was relatively high,deposits of coagulated gel were observed on surfaces of the dispensernozzle.

TABLE 3 EXAMPLE % MIS-DIRECTION % REDUCTION 1 34.89 N/A 2 5.67 83.75

In one or more embodiments, the compositions of the present inventionexhibit good moisturizing properties, and dispenser clogging andmis-directed output is reduced.

In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gel composition of thisinvention provides good product stability over a long-term shelf life.In certain embodiments, the stability of the hydroalcoholic gelcompositions of the present invention is better than the stability ofproducts that are emulsions or solid suspensions. Product stabilityincludes physical properties such as stable viscosity and pH readingsover time. Also, product stability requires that the products retain auniform consistency and appearance, and color and odor must notsignificantly change so that aged product is different from freshlymanufactured product. In one or more embodiments, the hydroalcoholic gelcompositions of the present invention exhibit good product stabilityover a shelf-life of about three years.

Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scopeand spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensable hydroalcoholic gel compositioncomprising: at least 50 wt. % of a C₁₋₄ alcohol, based upon the totalweight of the hydroalcoholic gel composition; from about 0.01 to about10 wt. % of a polyacrylate thickener, based upon the total weight of thedispensable gel composition; one or more neutralizers selected from thegroup consisting of sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide, arginine, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine,triethanolamine, tromethamine, and triisopropanolamine; and an additivecomprising a C₆₋₁₀ alkane chain and at least two hydroxyl groups,whereby the dispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition exhibits lessmisdirection during dispensing from a dispensing device than a gelcomposition that is identical to said dispensable hydroalcoholic gelcomposition, but for the presence of said additive.
 2. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the C₁₋₄ alcohol is selected from the groupconsisting of ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol,tertiary butanol, methanol, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the polyacrylate thickener is selected from the groupconsisting of acrylates/C₁₀₋₃₀ alkyl acrylate crosspolymers, copolymersof acrylic acid and alkyl C₅-C₁₀ acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acidand maleic anhydride, carbomers, and mixtures thereof.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises atleast one conditioning or moisturizing esters.
 5. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least oneantioxidant.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the compositionfurther comprises at least one humectant.
 7. The composition of claim 1,wherein the composition further comprises at least one viscosityincreasing agent in addition to said polyacrylate thickener.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the additive is selected from the groupconsisting of 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol,1,2-decanediol, 1,10-decanediol, and mixtures thereof.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the one or more neutralizers consists oftetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine.
 10. The composition of claim 1,wherein the one or more neutralizers provides a pH in the hydroalcoholicgel composition of from 4.5 to 9.5.
 11. A dispensing device comprising areservoir, a pump, and an outlet, said reservoir containing adispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition comprising: at least 50 wt. %of a C₁₋₄ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition; from about 0.01 to about 10 wt. % of a polyacrylatethickener, based upon the total weight of the hydroalcoholic gelcomposition; one or more neutralizers selected from the group consistingof sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, arginine,tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, andtriisopropanolamine; and an additive comprising a C₆₋₁₀ alkane chain andat least two hydroxyl groups, wherein said additive prevents thedispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition from producing mis-directedoutput when dispensed from the dispensing device.